Stitches

Chapter 1

My eyes flutter open to see sunlight streaming through the window. I smile, but it quickly fades as I remember what day it is. First day back, ugh. I haul myself out of bed and complete the mundane tasks of getting ready for school.

When I arrive at the gates of Hell, aka school grounds, I'm greeted by Lily- my best friend. My friends are one of the few reasons I actually enjoy school. We talk about our holidays as we walk into the quad.

During first period, I try to concentrate on my work but I am distracted by the girls in front of me. They keep chatting. I roll my eyes, knowing they are probably just gossiping about nothing. Then they say something that catches my attention. They begin talking about....a new guy! Now THAT is interesting. We've had so many new girls, but no guys. And yeah it means having potential new girl friends but tossing a guy into the mix can be exciting.....

Throughout the day, I hear a few more people talk about this mystery man but I still haven't seen him. I walk to fifth period carrying my biology textbook. I quickly round a corner and CRASH! I collide with a person, making me drop the book. The boy bends down to pick it up. He looks unfamiliar, but as he stands up straight and looks at me, I am overcome with how attractive he is. He smiles kindly and says "sorry." I immediately pick up some sort of American accent. He continues to stare with his sweet, glistening brown eyes as I try to find words.

"That's....that's ok. Are you....American?"

"Canadian. I moved here from Ontario."

"Oh wow." My eyes scan over his whole body. He looks fit, and he's tall, but not too tall. His short brown hair frames his face perfectly.

"I'm Shawn by the way."

"Nice to meet you. I'm Isabella."

"Cute name. Hey um.....I think I have biology. Could you help me find the class?"

"Of course. I'm actually in that class myself!" I walk with him to Biology and offer for him to sit next to me. We talk, mostly about our different cultures and lives. I decide I like this Shawn boy..... seems like we could be good friends.

A FEW WEEKS LATER

Tomorrow is the social. At lunch I sit with Shawn and talk.

"So Bella, what exactly is a social?"

"Well basically you go into the hall where there's loud music and drunk people dancing everywhere. I'm not a fan to be honest." He giggles and says

"Aww you have to go with me! It'll be my first social!" I roll my eyes.

"Shawn, I will not endorse such a stupid and pointless event."

"C'mon Bells, don't be so negative! There's no way it can be that bad, I'm sure you'll enjoy it this time. I'll make sure of it. PLEEAASSEEE!!!" He's bringing out the puppy dog eyes now. I roll mine for the hundredth time and say

"Fine, fine! Only because it's your first one."

Tonight I get ready for the social. I choose to wear a body-con skirt, crop top and platforms. It's more formal than I'd usually do, but I'm in the mood to glam up a bit. I put my hair in a high ponytail and curl it. Finally, I do some dramatic makeup.

As I arrive, I quickly spot Shawn outside, standing with some of the boys. He sees me walking towards him and he blushes, then smiles. he nervously runs a hand through his hair and says

" Shit. Bella.....you look....wow." Now it's my turn to blush.

"Thanks Shawn. not looking too bad yourself." He wears a button-up tropical print shirt, dark shorts and his hair styled in its usual cute way. I guide him into the hall and 'Where Are U Now' is playing. I go off and join the girls for a bit while Shawn hangs with the boys. It's actually fun- we dance like crazy and sing out our favourite jams. Towards the end, I find Shawn again.

"How's your first social??" I yell over the music.

"Um.. yeah, it's going really well actually! So many people hooking up though."

"Yeah, I forgot to say that's another thing that always happens...." I laugh awkwardly and we keep dancing for a bit. I notice he gradually edges closer to me. Before I know it, his face is inches from my own. He leans to whisper in my ear

"You really do look amazing tonight." Without warning, he grabs my face and kisses me. I pull back, I'm so surprised. It suddenly feels really awkward and I can barely look at Shawn so I just walk away slowly. What just happened? Why would he kiss me, we're just friends right? I feel bad for leaving him there, he probably thinks I hate him....I can't go back though, it's just too embarrassing.

Today I walk into school, not being able to stop thinking about last night's kiss. The moment just plays over and over in my head like a broken record and I can't help worrying how Shawn feels. I walk along the empty English corridor but then a hand grabs me and pulls me into another corridor off to the side. I find that the hand belongs to Shawn and once again his face is intimidatingly close to mine.

"Shawn. Look.....about last night-"

"No. Don't speak. It was my fault. I just got excited. And I guess I've had these feelings.....for you. I know we are just friends but I feel different. I feel something stronger. I was hoping you felt the same?" All this information takes me aback. As I'm trying to process everything, I think about my feelings towards him. I guess I always found him attractive, and most importantly he's been an incredible person in my life. We've become so close in such a short space of time and.....maybe, maybe I could like him...... I bite my lip, and nod slowly. He starts smirking and says quietly

"So....do you wanna maybe....try that again?" Shawn leans in and places a hand under my chin. This time, he takes it slowly and I feel the softness of his kiss as our mouths move together perfectly. My mind is completely muted except for the thought of being with Shawn, here, right now.